Even Greener Pastures

Language Learning => Questions about the Use of Language => Topic started by: Truman Overby on July 23, 2019, 12:52:04 pm

Title: Re: Free for the Taking!
Post by: NealC on July 24, 2019, 11:21:31 am
I have found implied offers of "free love" always have some sort of catch.
Title: Re: Free for the Taking!
Post by: SuKi on July 24, 2019, 08:20:31 am
I'm always a bit confused by ATMs that have signs saying 'Free Cash'.  Surprisingly, they're always well stocked. You'd have thought that people would have taken advantage of this generous offer and helped themselves, wouldn't you?
Title: Re: Free for the Taking!
Post by: Erik on July 24, 2019, 12:57:06 am
I can’t agree with Alharaca’s comment for some unknown reason, but said gifts aren’t really free, are they?

By the way, “free” is a magic word around here (still on holidays).
It automatically creates a sudden and irresistible urge that forces people to do whatever. True story
Title: Re: Free for the Taking!
Post by: Pasha on July 23, 2019, 06:18:32 pm
I think "there's no such thing as a free lunch"!
There is if you are quick enough.
Title: Re: Free for the Taking!
Post by: Truman Overby on July 23, 2019, 01:37:12 pm
I was joking, Jerry.
Sorry. I'm slow today.
Title: Re: Free for the Taking!
Post by: Alharacas on July 23, 2019, 01:26:02 pm
I think "there's no such thing as a free lunch"!
Title: Re: Free for the Taking!
Post by: Nikola on July 23, 2019, 01:17:27 pm
I was joking, Jerry.
Title: Re: Free for the Taking!
Post by: Truman Overby on July 23, 2019, 01:13:11 pm
What do you mean? You don't normally pay people when they give you presents?
What I mean is that a gift is free by definition. The free is redundant. I know that it's 'grab-the-eyeballs-marketing,' as I call it. But it sounds silly to me.
Title: Re: Free for the Taking!
Post by: Sofia on July 23, 2019, 01:10:01 pm
It’s like when you are invited to somebody’s house for dinner, you are supposed to bring candies and awfully expensive bouquets of flowers.
Title: Re: Free for the Taking!
Post by: Nikola on July 23, 2019, 01:06:40 pm
What do you mean? You don't normally pay people when they give you presents?
Title: Free for the Taking!
Post by: Truman Overby on July 23, 2019, 12:52:04 pm
What do you think when you hear someone say 'free gift?' Banks here in the US used to give away toasters when you opened a checking or savings account, for example. The ads would always say something like Open a new account today and receive a FREE GIFT!!!